Be alert!

‘No one knows, however, when that day or hour will come­ neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son; only the Father knows. Be on the lookout, be alert, for you do not know when the time will come. It will be like a man who goes away from home on a journey and leaves his servants in charge, after giving to each one his own work to do and after telling the doorkeeper to keep watch.’ (verses 32-34)

Read Mark 13:24-37

In this chapter in Mark’s Gospel Jesus often uses words about seeing and being alert. He directs the attention of his disciples away from the destruction of the Temple to living in the end­ times. He tells them, ‘See to it that no one leads you astray’ (verse 5). ‘Be aware that you will be persecuted’ (verse 9). ‘Above all, keep awake and alert.’

Terrible events will occur that could distract you from your faith walk. The rug of security will be ripped away, and you will ask all kinds of questions in your fear.

Jesus doesn’t answer his disciples’ questions, but he tells them where to look. To those left in charge of his ‘house’ he speaks words that bring comfort to them in their chaos and fear. He encourages and strengthens in them their courage, alertness and stickability to the end.

Lord, in Gethsemane you said, ‘Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation’. Thank you for your prayer that my faith will not fail. Amen.

by Paul Lohe, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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